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How to Choose a Really Good Nursing Home
HOW TO 
Tags: Nursing Home, Retierment Homes, Elderly, Home care
As we all age we want to have the best care possible for us and for our loved ones. Choosing a nursing home can be one of the most important decisions you and your family will make. Here is how you can choose an excellant nursing home.
| | Go on the internet or use your phone book and find 5 nursing homes close to you. |
| | Call the homes and make arrangements for a tour of the facility. Be aware of the way the staff answers the phone, your questions, and their demeanour. It says a lot about possible stress levels. |
| | Write out a list of your questions regarding the level of care of your loved one. Take your time, think about what your specific concerns are. |
| | Upon entering the facility, note your first impressions. Is it bright? Clean? Airy? Comfortable? Welcoming? |
| | Note how you are received by the reception staff (I used to be one!) Are they courteous? Do they immediately welcome you? Give you eye contact? Do they ask if you'd like a cup of coffee or tea while you're waiting for your tour guide? Are they accomodating to any special needs? |
| | Ask for an information package on the facility. The tour guide should give you one. The tour guide will go into a speech about how "wonderful" their nursing home is. Trust your own eyes and ears. |
| | Be aware of surroundings, Residents, family members, staff, odors, sounds... it's all important. |
| | Ask about the staff to resident ratio - make sure that your family member will receive adequate attention! |
| | Talk to other residents, either while on a tour, or just stop by and visit one day. |
| | Talk to your loved one's doctor to find out what the best care would be, and to find specific recommendations for what kinds of medical personnel or accomodations need to be made. Have this information with you when you go to check out the facility! |
| | Hunt for reviews! Internet, community centers, churches - if the facility is reputable in the area, chances are that *someone* must have the right idea about it. |
| | Visit with your loved on while they are in the home and make sure they are doing well, appear to be in good health, etc. |
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